DUBAI: The population of Dubai will be tens of thousands of kilograms lighter, but more sparkly if residents’ plans go their way.

The Dubai Municipality’s “Your Weight in Gold” initiative got a thumping response from residents of Dubai when it began on Friday evening at Safa Park, with thousands registering on the first day.

The initiative is to promote a healthy lifestyle and to encourage people to shed the fat. The event was kicked off at Gate 2 of Al Safa Park in the presence of Director General of Dubai Municipality Hussain Nasser Lootah, as well as senior officials and partners.

Lootah said: “The overwhelming response from the public in this hot season indicates that the people in Dubai are highly concerned about their health and fitness”. People registered at five main parks around Dubai.

DM’s Head of the Media Section Yusuf Murad said people have the motivation to lose the excess flab.

“The top three winners will get the gold equivalent of Dh20,000 each and participants who (lose) a minimum two kilograms and above will get one gram of gold for each kg reduced from their weight.”

Murad said registration sites were at Al Safa Park Gate 2, Zabeel Park Gate 3, Main Gates of Al Barsha and Al Khawaneej and the starting point of Al Mamzar Track.

“Because of the long queues in all parks people tried different parks to get entry in the first day and many of them postponed the registration to coming days. The registration is open throughout the period of the campaign from 8pm to midnight.”